Libelles & Tost Rings

!!!!!!!!!
IF you have problems with new TOST rings (not really that new, they've been using the current type for decades now!.....binding in old releases then you very obviously have a very old and out of date release mechanism!.the old oval/oval tow rings were replaced many years ago with heavier oval/round rings and using the new rings in old releases is a real no-no......they can and will bind and will cause release failures or can even cause pre-mature release since they won't seat in fully.....all older releases (if you check the TOST manuals, back in the days of the early Libelle's and K6's and even up to ASW20's etc, the REQUIRED Overhaul or exchange time then was every 2 years..since that time overhaul periods went to 3, and then 4 years and now are based solely on accusations and number of launches........Newer TOST releases have larger openings and accept the oval/round rings ONLY .....
if your release was not exchanged after the new O/H times were put into effect, then you still are obligated to make the exchange based on the time period that was in force at the time of the last exchange or overhaul.....
many releases I get for exchange are even today obsolete and cannot be repaired but must be replaced due to the type changes.
details on http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page30.htm
also see:
WARNING!
Recently, connecting ring pairs that do not comply with the LN 65091 standard have begun to appear on the German market. All type-approved tow releases may be used only with a connecting ring pair that complies with the 1985 edition of this standard (Section 2.6 LBA-approved Operating Manual).
The ring pairs (presumably from Egger) are welded - this is explicitly prohibited by LN 65091. They are not correctly dimensioned and will not operate reliably with Tost tow releases. However, these ring pairs are even being used in flying schools, sometimes with a "certificate of approval" from the manufacturer.
These non-approved ring pairs damage the leading edges of the tow releases and can cause the ring to jam in the tow release so that the release cannot be activated.
It is to be expected that Germany will start seeing damage to tow releases and problems with their operation similar to that already happening in the Netherlands.
You should give some thought to the following points:

a.. If a release cannot be activated, the consequences can be fatal.
b.. The damage to the tow release necessitates replacing the housing or the hook. The cost of this repair is far higher than the saving through buying cheaper rings.
c.. If a tow release is operated with non-approved components, the manufacturer's warranty becomes null and void. In addition, in the event of a failure or accident, an insurance company can legitimately repudiate its obligation to pay.
Further information on : http://www.tost.de/evers/edefault.htm

tim
www.wingsandwheels.com


"nowhere" wrote in message om...
I know the subject has been brought up before, but I was wondering if
anyone out there has come up with any new ways of coping with the way
that the current pattern Tost rings bind in Libelle nose hooks. Going
through the archives I found three possibilities mentioned: 1; Make
the aperature in the glider nose larger, 2; Find an old "double
oblong" Tost ring or 3; Just use a piece of chain for the end of the
weak link.

The one that sounds the best, using an older ring, seems to be near
impossible to accomplish as I can't find any of these rings. Does
anyone have any new ideas?